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A good number of eye-related conditions are hereditary, but not all are. For instance, babies who are born premature are more at risk of overdeveloping blood vessels in the eye.

Can reading in dim lighting hurt the eyes?

Sufficient lighting is recommended for reading because trying to do so with little light can strain the eyes. Over the long term, this may result in fatigue and headaches, but it does not directly lead to the development of any conditions an ophthalmologist may be needed to treat.

What are some of the common signs of vision problems in children?

Common signs of vision problems in children include not being able to see things at a distance or near to them, eyes that drift out of alignment, eyes that do not neurologically develop correctly, involuntary movement and complaints of pain.

What is the right age for a child’s first eye exam?

Unless a child is born with an ocular condition or present symptoms soon after, it's generally recommended the first eye exam take place at 6 months, and then a follow-up is conducted at 3 years.

Is there special certification involved with becoming a pediatric ophthalmologist?

While there is no specific national certification for pediatric ophthalmologists, most all practicing physicians in this specialty are licensed by the American Board of Ophthalmology.